The Cathedral Parish of St. Raymond Nonnatus 1917-1992
Written by Robert R. Morris

Part 5: The Story of a Patron Saint
The congregation was placed under the protection of St. Raymond Nonnatus, a Spanish priest born in the year 1200. His mother died during childbirth, but Raymond was delivered by Caesarian section, giving rise to his Latin nickname "Nonnatus," meaning "without birth."

During those days, the Moorish conquerors of northern Africa and southern Spain regularly abducted Christians to work as slaves. Raymond Nonnatus joined an order of priests whose mission was to free slaves held by the Moors, often buying their freedom with money and golf donated by wealthy landowners and nobility.

Sometime around the year 1238, Raymond traveled to Algeria to buy the freedom of as many slaves as he could, but the money ran out much more quickly than anticipated.

Feeling intense pity for the Christian slaves, and without any more funds, Raymond offered himself as ransom, thus freeing one of the slaves. During the time he spent as a slave, Raymond often preached a message of hope among his brethren, attracting a following. The Moslem captors put a quick stop to this, and tortured Raymond in a number of ways, including driving an iron stake through his lips, and symbolically locking his mouth to prevent further preaching.

After some time, one of Raymond's religous community members purchased his ransom and returned him to Spain, where news of his works and suffering had become widespread.

As a reward for his zeal, Pope Gregory IX named Raymond a Cardinal, but the honor was never received, because Raymond Nonnatus died on August 31, 1240, while on his way to Rome.

St. Raymond Nonnatus was canonized and is listed as the patron saint of women in childbirth, of Caesarean deliveries, and of those who assist at childbirth. The people of St. Raymond parish celebrate his feast day every August 31st.

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